Which place is cheaper, Manila or Dar es Salaam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dar es Salaam and Manila can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Manila?
Dar es Salaam
Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $462Manila $99
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, while the average daily cost in Manila is $99. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dar es Salaam and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $424Manila $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $848Manila $102
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Manila? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $13Manila $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $10
- Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
- Dar Es Salaam Transfer from Airport Hotel Ferry or Train: $55
- Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
- Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
- Dar es salaam Airport Transfer (Private & Group): $60
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $104
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $252
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
- Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $150
- Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Tour with Transfers: $120
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $51
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Dar es Salaam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayDar es Salaam $31Manila $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dar es Salaam
For Dar es Salaam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dar es Salaam Old Town Walking and Food Tour With Transfers: $70
- Market Tour & Cooking Class in Morogoro including Hotel Transfers: $98
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $60
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $60
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
- A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
- Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dar es Salaam -Manila $18
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Dar es Salaam Architectural Guided Walking Tour and History: $22
- Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $38
- Nightlife and Local Food Experience in Dar es Salaam: $65
- Beach Day Tour with Resort Access: $65
- Private Mbudya Island Retreat Adventure from Dar Es Salaam: $82
- Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
- Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $104
- Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam: $125
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Visit all attractive places: $130
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $258
- A Full Day Tour Adventure From Manila’s History to Volcano Views: $180
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Amazing Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Tour 2in1: $125
- Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $80
- BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $357
- BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,130
- Banaue-Hapao Rice Terraces (Car Rental W/ Manila Tourist Driver): $300
- Cavite Leisure And Farm Tour: $170
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $71
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $85
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.48Manila $9.29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Manila, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Manila is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam than you might in Manila.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dar es Salaam. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Manila, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Dar es Salaam or Manila?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Dar es Salaam during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Manila. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Manila in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Manila in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Manila. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Manila. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Manila. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Manila. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.